Laura Cornish - Hospice Heart Award
Laura Cornish initially started volunteering the year after her mum Anne was cared for on the ward at Saint Francis Hospice in 2015. Travel and work took her away for a few years, but she is now back volunteering on the ward.
Her dedication and compassion were recently recognised when she was presented with a Hospice Heart Award. Here Laura shares why she gives up her time to support the care team and help people on the ward.
Saint Francis Hospice is a special place. It is an important part of my life, and my family’s life, and it always will be.
Mum wasn’t under the care of Saint Francis Hospice for long but the week and a half she was on the ward made such a difference to mum and our family.
We had been looking after her at home, but it was so stressful, and we could not provide the professional care she needed. We knew the hospice was the best place for her to be and she was able to pass away peacefully.
I wanted to give back and I had a connection with the ward. My nan had also been cared for by the hospice 26 years ago. I started volunteering and really enjoyed it but after a few years, I took a break because of my work commitments, and I later moved to California.
When I came home last year, I got in touch with the hospice again and retrained. I work part-time and live nearby so I am always happy to come in when I am needed, which can sometimes be up to four times a week.
As I am here regularly, I feel part of the team on the ward, and I build good relationships with people and their loved ones. My main role involves bringing people fresh drinks and their meals. I like talking to people and if I can make them smile, I feel I have done a good job.
It can be emotional, but volunteering makes me appreciate life and it has helped me with my grief journey by turning such a difficult situation into something positive.
Laura presented with her Hospice Heart Award by CEO Grazina Berry
I was shocked when I was presented with the Hospice Heart Award but it was lovely to be recognised.
Over the years, my family and I, have supported the hospice in any way we can. We’ve taken part in lots of events and we also play the weekly Lottery as the hospice is a charity and depends on donations and fundraising to fund its services.
